Get to know who we are
We’re here to serve.
The Purpose and Mission of Kalamazoo SDA Junior Academy
We believe it to be our privilege and duty to provide Christian education for our children, to bring them up in the instruction and counsel of the Lord, to provide for them an environment which will facilitate the development of Christian character and academic excellence, to help them obtain victory in their daily conflict with sin, to educate them for service to God, to their church, to their country, and to humanity, and cause them to understand the doctrines and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Kalamazoo Junior Academy is operated in harmony with the guidance and direction of the Office of Education, North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
About Adventist Education
Founded in 1872, Adventist Education is the second largest denominational educational system in the world, second only to Catholic schools. Adventist Education curriculum was developed to teach students not only to excel academically but to develop healthy bodies and thriving spiritual lives. In Bermuda, Canada, and the U.S., 4,700 teachers instruct over 55,000 students in nearly 1,000 Adventist K–12 schools and 15 colleges and universities.
If you are interested in finding out more information about Kalamazoo Junior Academy, please contact us via one of the contact methods located at the bottom of this page. We would be delighted to schedule a visit for you and your child.
Meet Our Educators
Called. Committed. Caring.
Tami Draves
Principal and Upper Grade Teacher
Ms. Draves has served as principal and teacher for more than 20 years. She has taught all grades and subjects and is currently principal and teacher for the upper grades at KJA. Her passion is to lead young people to Jesus, provide quality education and make it fun in the process!
Jessica Goodrich
4TH -10TH Grade Teacher
I am a Michigan native who grew up in the Seventh-day Adventist church. I got my teaching degree and masters degree from Andrews University. I have been teaching for 16 years in several Multigrade schools. I have taught grades 4-10 and have taught all subjects over the years. I have two classroom pets who are lizards named Sydney and Colonel Mustard. I love to play the piano, sing, read, draw, and teach people about Jesus.
Bethany Stevens
K- 3 Teacher
This is Bethany’s 3rd year at KJA. Bethany is a seasoned teacher with 10 years experience in the multigrade setting. She received her degree at Southern Adventist University. She has many hobbies, including crocheting, quilting, and baking. She loves animals, especially her pet cat.
Ashtin Heiss
Teacher’s Aide for Lower Grade
Mrs. Heiss has experience with young children. She is currently KJA’s lower grades, teacher’s aide. Her passion is to lead little ones to love Jesus and to make learning fun using hands-on activities.
Layna Beckermeyer
Volunteer Music Teacher
Mrs. Beckermeyer is a volunteer music teacher at KJA. She is currently a student at Western Michigan University with a major in Music Therapy. Her passion is to use the power of music to build positive social connections, widen worldviews, improve confidence, and provide kids with a skill that can be used to reach others for Jesus.
Ashtin Heiss
Cherie Copin (Art Teacher)
This is Cherie’s third year at KJA. She is married and has two children. Cherie holds a degree in Art and is also a certified Massage Therapist and Cosmetologist. In addition to teaching, she serves as an Adventurer leader and is a member of the Social Committee.
Marjie Shade
Secretary
Mrs. Shade has worked at KJA for more than 30 years. She has served as a teacher’s aid, substitute teacher, yearbook advisor, Bible Labs coordinator and is currently KJA’s secretary. Her passion is to share Jesus with others, serve where needed, and to make you smile!
Galina and Travis McClintock
Galina: Home & School Leaders
Travis: Treasurer
The McClintocks serves as KJA’s School Treasurer and Home and School Leader. Both helps to support the school through financial oversight, family engagement, and the coordination of activities that strengthen the connection between home and school.
Jermaine Gayle
Senior Pastor Kalamazoo SDA
Jermaine Gayle is the Senior Pastor of the Kalamazoo Seventh-day Adventist Church and Filipino Company in Michigan. He enjoys connecting with young people and helping them find purpose. Before becoming a pastor, he worked in public campus ministry for 6 years. He has mentored many public high school and university students as they deal with questions about identity, faith, and the future.